I love seeing the array of artists who visit the Harrisburg area every month. We get to experience small, intimate settings with independent singers, but also larger stadiums with decades-established bands. Since moving here almost a year ago, I feel that Harrisburg has opened my eyes and ears to so many new artists and even some who have been in the industry for longer than I’ve been alive. It’s incredible that we get to witness such talented artists right here, so close to home. This month, there are plenty of bands and artists to experience live.
Moon Hooch, 5/4, H*MAC, 6 p.m.
Brooklyn natives Michael Wilbur, Wenzl McGowen and Cyzon Griffin were no strangers to playing their tunes in subway stations. Now, they have graduated from busking to playing larger venues. When Moon Hooch first started out, they were completely acoustic, with just two saxophones and a drum. These days, they’ve added electronic and found sounds into their songs. The futuristic jazz music has a way of transforming your mood completely, like their song, “8-bit,” my personal favorite.
Hunter Hayes, 5/20, H*MAC, 7 p.m.
Hunter Hayes’ love for music started early in his life, and it’s apparent in his ability to play over 30 instruments. He started his performance career when he was just 2 years old and, at the age of 4, began appearing on national TV to sing. His popularity in the industry climbed in 2011 when he performed as an opening act for Taylor Swift on her “Speak Now” tour. Later that year, Hayes released his self-titled album, on which he co-wrote every song and played every instrument. Hayes’ most popular song, “Wanted,” rose to No. 1 on the “hot country” songs chart. The platinum-selling artist released his latest album in March 2023 with a sound reminiscent of his early music career.
Blink-182 5/27, Hersheypark Stadium, 7:30 p.m.
Some of us never grew out of our “emo-phase” of applying too much eyeliner and listening to classic pop-punk bands. Although I have lightened up on the eyeliner over the years, I definitely haven’t quit listening to pop-punk. And let’s be honest, Blink-182 is a classic. Their fame was solidified in the mainstream industry in 1999 after the release of their album, “Enema of the State.” Three songs from that album, “All The Small Things,” “Adam’s Song” and “What’s My Age Again?” became wildly popular and started playing on the radio. Blink-182 released their most recent song in October 2022, and if you had told me it was off of their first album, I would’ve believed you. Although the band has gone through changes through the decades, they have stayed consistent and true to their sound.
Mentionables
- Half Alive, May 3, XL Live
- Rick Ross, May 6, XL Live
- Ill Niño, May 9, Lovedraft’s Brewing Co.
- Frank Turner & the Sleeping Souls, May 9, XL Live
- The Menzingers, May 13, H*MAC
- Michigander, May 26, H*MAC
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